Walz Guitar - Seeing Ana Vidovic

I saw Ana Vidivoc in concert last night. This was part of the Great Artist Series and through the St. Louis Classical guitar Society. The concert was fantastic. When Vidivoc took the stage, I was shocked at how stunning she was and at her presence. Her playing is an exercise in the sublime. (Not the band sorry.) Her technique is fluid and highly expressive. A mastery of dynamics is heard in everything she plays. As many classical guitarist read about Segovia and how he was a master of tone. You really do not understand the tonal depth of a guitar until you hear someone who is a true master.

The program was very European with Torroba and Mangore among others being represented. Most of the pieces made extensive use of harmonics. Vidovic smoothly articulated these ringing notes and often I was amazed to watch her and she'd play harmonics all other the guitar. Thinking about the piece selection and her style, many pieces had a jazz quiality to them. Where there were spurts of rhythm using chords and melodic variation--like a jazz cat interpreting classical.

For the encore, she played Recuerdos de la Alhambra. I've never heard such a soulful version. The dynamic and expressive range was unbelievable.

Ana's site (http://www.anavidovic.com/)

STL Classical Guitar Society (http://www.guitarstlouis.net/)